We'll find out Thursday night if the Saints are the reincarnation of the 2008 team that finished the year a disappointing 8-8 overall -- or if they're ready to break free from the mediocrity they've wallowed in all season and are ready to go on a real playoff push.

You may recall during the 2008 Saints season the Black and Gold lost six games by five or fewer points. Heartbreakers in Denver and DC early were hard to figure out and set up what was an up and down campaign.

Related Content

The story of the season in 2008, was as Jim Mora famously said "Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda."

Going through such an emotional season helped mature young players like Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, Jahri Evans, Roman Harper, etc.

The next season, the Saints figured out how to not only close out games, but also come from behind - remember Miami, Buffalo and Washington? The 2009 Saints won a franchise record 13 straight to open the season on their way to a victory in Super Bowl XLIV.

As hard as 2008 was, it was a necessary evil for a team that was on the cusp of greatness.

So, are the 2014 Saints the reincarnation of the 2008 squad?

Like the 2008 team, the 2014 Saints have extremely talented young players who are becoming foundation pillars and leaders and learning from the adversity they've had to deal with this year. The Saints have lost three road games by a combined 6 points.

Guys like Kenny Vaccaro, Kenny Stills, Brandin Cooks and Terron Armstead are gaining valuable experience just like the guys I mentioned in 2008 did.

The 2008 Saints opened the season 3-4 overall but could have easily been 6-1. Sound familiar? The 2014 Who Dats could easily be 6-1 instead of 3-4.

So the Carolina game will tell us a lot. If the Saints can snap their seven-game regular season road losing streak in Charlotte and pick up a much-needed division win against the Panthers, they'll prove to me that they can be a special team this year and can still win the NFC.

If the Saints lose another close game, I'll start looking toward 2015, realizing that this group, like the 2008 Saints, is not ready to compete for a championship.